Saturday, July 28, 2012

"Ocean And Me Book Sculpture?" Mixed Media Canvas 30" x 24"

 I did this work a few years ago  while taking an art class at Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA. Part of the assignment was to add a "book as a work of art" to the project.  Another part of the assignment was to do a "self Portrait"  If you look closely you will see me taking a photo of this piece in the mirror. I am not sure how this "torn and weathered book" morphed into and "ocean and book sculpture".  All I know is when I start a project I have and idea and it is always a vague one. The art usually "dictates" to me where it "wants to go".  This piece certainly took me on a wild, glorious,  fun filled ride!
 Not sure why I painted on the back of this piece.  While I was putting on the hanging wire I thought the white canvas on the back was boring.  I decided to paint a quick ocean study.  Much fun to have a painting on the back and a "sculpture" on the front.  I wonder how many works have paintings on the back of them?
 This photo shows the mirror reflection of my pen and ink self portrait.  I like the mirror in this work so not only would the viewer see my image while looking at the piece but an image of themselves as well.
This photo is a closer look at the bottom right corner. The variety of colors and textures can  be seen better along with the hanging three little "kaleidoscope" pieces.  These three little items enable the viewer to look at the painting in very "hippyish late sixties"way. While looking through them the art is distorted, magnified, multiplied and so much more. They also make the "sculpture" look like it is moving. A very "psychedelic" experience. Much fun.  Too bad I couldn't take a photo while using these devices to show you.
I hope others enjoy this work as much as I loved making it.
Peace.
Michael

6 comments:

  1. Rose,
    Great to hear from you. Thanks for visiting and as always leaving a great comment!
    You sound like you love the ocean as much as I do!
    Sorry no FB account. Not sure why! I bet your videos and photos are fantastic.
    Again, thanks for visiting!
    Your art buddy,
    Michael

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  2. How did I miss this Michael! I've been too self absorbed trying to up my studio hours to respectable. This is fantastic! Painting the back was the greatest idea and the painting is great. And I love the relief front with the bells falling off. Very unique. I love stuff falling off.

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  3. Linda!
    You are one of the best! Thank you so very, very much for your kind words and compliments. Your visits always make my day. I am glad you like my work. I had so much fun painting the back of this piece. I am happy that I thought of doing it. I may do it more often. Much fun and huge surprises when people turn an art work over and see more art on the reverse side! Enjoy every second on the planet.
    Peace.
    Your art buddy,
    Michael

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  4. Hi Michael, thank you so much for visiting my blog..when I came on here this caught my eye as I do art journals .
    Your right the art piece usually takes you in a direction that you hadn't thought of at first... I'm a watercolorist,but other creative seeds bloom from time to time... ! BJ

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    Replies
    1. Hi Barbra!
      Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving this very supportive comment.
      I love your blog and will be listing it among my other favorites.
      Keep on painting.
      Your new art buddy,
      Michael

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  5. Rose!
    I very much miss your art. Have you posted anything lately? If so I am not getting notices on my blog!
    Keep on painting.
    I will be on the lookout for more of your fine art.
    Peace.
    Your art buddy,
    Michael

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